That delay was denied in a vote, and the pledge of $100 million to the state, plus $50 million more for flood mitigation, was approved. The funding is for one section of the project, from the North 610 Loop to I-10, north of downtown.

Property, including homes, have been identified as being in the path of the project.

The vote turned into a session for opponents to voice their minds. A member of a super-neighborhood group voiced her concerns if there were to be another evacuation for a hurricane or flood.

"We'd be on 45, 59, and I-10 trying to get out of town. What are you thinking?"

One version of the project calls for I-45 to be rerouted, and the Pierce elevated to be eliminated. Some renderings suggest a new use could be as elevated park space. The freeway would instead parallel US-59, and dip below grade.

The underground tunnel would be covered by greenspace.

Community groups have raised concerns about air quality with schools nearby. A TxDOT representative said windows could be sealed and HEPA filters installed in air conditioning systems.

The impetus for the project is Houston's growth. More people mean more cars, but critics argue there's not enough emphasis on practical public transportation.

At Friday's meeting, there was discussion about using managed lanes to encourage two or more people in vehicles.

The start of construction on the first phase would not take place until late 2023, or early in 2024.